“Arsenal are the team that have left the biggest mark on me, without a doubt,” he said.

“I lived a dream. Any kid who starts playing can’t help but to dream to play at a club like Arsenal.

“The day I signed I cried. I remember it like it was today: it was in 2011, I told all my family and was jumping for joy.

“It was a source of great pride to sign with a club like that. I didn’t lose my smile from the first to the last match at Arsenal. I remember when I left I wanted to thank everyone, even the dressing-room staff.”